Power storage module

Abstract

To provide a technology that makes it easier to separate a bus bar from a power storage device.SOLUTION: A power storage module 100 includes a plurality of power storage devices 12 and a bus bar 14. The plurality of power storage devices 12 are arranged in a first direction P. The bus bar 14 is bridged between two adjacent power storage devices 12 in the first direction P. The bus bar 14 has a gripped portion 144. The gripped portion 144 is a protrusion protruding from a surface (upper surface 14u) of the bus bar 14 or a through hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an energy storage module. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2018-200832 A discloses a battery terminal with a current sensor, which includes a battery terminal made of a conductive metal plate and a current sensor attached to the battery terminal. The battery terminal includes a post portion connected to a battery post, a load connection terminal portion arranged side by side on the post portion and connected to a load, and a linear bus bar with one end connected to the post portion and the other end connected to the load connection terminal portion. The current sensor includes a magnetic detection portion arranged on the other end side of the bus bar and detecting a magnetism generated by a current flowing through the bus bar, and a current sensor body that integrally holds the bus bar and the magnetic detection portion by resin molding. The bus bar includes a bent portion in which a side edge portion in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar is bent into an L-shaped cross section. The publication describes that by providing the bent portion on which the bus bar is bent, the electrical resistance of the bus bar during continuous current flow can be reduced and heat dissipation from the surface of the bus bar can be improved.

[0003] International Publication WO 2012 / 118014 discloses a battery system including a plurality of battery cells whose positive and negative electrode terminals are made of different metals, and the positive and negative electrode terminals of each battery cell are connected by a metal plate. In the battery system, a metal plate joins a first metal plate connected to one electrode terminal of the battery cell and a second metal plate made of a metal different from the first metal plate and connected to the other electrode terminal. The first metal plate includes a first laminated portion laminated on the second metal plate. The second metal plate includes a second laminated portion laminated on the first metal plate. The first laminated portion has a protruding portion, and the second laminated portion has a notch through which the protruding portion is inserted, and the protruding portion is inserted into the notch, and the protruding portion and the notch tightly adhere the first metal plate and the second metal plate by a crimping structure. The publication states that this configuration makes it possible to maintain a stable, low-resistance connection state between the metal plate and the electrode terminal for a long period of time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-200832 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2012 / 118014 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors would like to make it easier to separate the bus bars from the energy storage modules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The technology disclosed herein provides an energy storage module including a plurality of energy storage devices arranged in a first direction and a bus bar spanning two adjacent energy storage devices in the first direction. The bus bar has a gripped portion that is a protrusion protruding from a surface of the bus bar or a through hole. The bus bar can be more easily separated from an energy storage module having such a configuration.

[0007] The technology disclosed herein provides a method for processing an energy storage module including a plurality of energy storage devices arranged in a first direction and each having electrode terminals, and a bus bar spanning two adjacent energy storage devices in the first direction. The processing method includes separating the bus bar from the energy storage devices by pulling a gripped portion that is a protrusion or a hole that protrudes from a surface of the bus bar. With this configuration, the bus bar can be more easily separated from the energy storage devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the power storage module 100. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between the bus bar 14 and the electrode terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a step of the processing method. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the joint between bus bar 214 and an electrode terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the joint between bus bar 314 and the electrode terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the joint between bus bar 414 and the electrode terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the joint between bus bar 514 and the electrode terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the power storage module 600. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the power storage module 700. As shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein will be described. The embodiment described herein is not intended to limit the technology disclosed herein. The technology disclosed herein is not limited to the embodiment described herein unless otherwise specified. The drawings are drawn diagrammatically and do not necessarily reflect the actual product. In addition, the same reference numerals are appropriately used for members and parts that perform the same function, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. The reference numerals "R", "L", "U", "D", "F", and "Rr" in the drawings indicate "right", "left", "upper", "lower", "front", and "rear", respectively. In addition, the notation "A to B" indicating a numerical range means "A or more and B or less" unless otherwise specified, and also includes the meaning of "greater than A and less than B".

[0010] In this specification, the term "electricity storage device" refers to a device in which charging and discharging occurs by the movement of charge carriers between a pair of electrodes (positive and negative electrodes) via an electrolyte. Such electricity storage devices include secondary batteries such as lithium ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries; and capacitors such as lithium ion capacitors and electric double layer capacitors. In the following, an embodiment in which a lithium ion secondary battery is used as an example of the above-mentioned electricity storage device will be described.

[0011] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power storage module 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the power storage module 100 includes a plurality of power storage devices 12 and a bus bar 14. The power storage devices 12 are arranged in a first direction P. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the power storage device 12 includes a rectangular parallelepiped case 30, and has a pair of opposing wide faces 30a, a pair of opposing narrow faces 30b, and a bottom face 30c. The wide faces 30a are the faces with the largest area in the case 30. The pair of opposing wide faces 30a are, for example, faces extending from a pair of opposing long sides of a rectangular bottom face 30c. The narrow faces 30b are, for example, faces extending from a pair of opposing short sides of the bottom face 30c. As shown in FIG. 1, the power storage devices 12 are arranged so that the wide faces 30a face each other. The "first direction P" here is the direction from one wide surface 30a of the electricity storage device 12 to the other wide surface 30a, that is, the direction from the rear (Rr) side to the front (F) side in FIG. 1 (the same applies to the second to fifth embodiments described later).

[0012] The electricity storage device 12 includes, for example, a case 30, an electrode body (not shown) housed in the case 30, and an electrolyte (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, the case 30 includes a main body 31 and a sealing plate 32. The main body 31 is, for example, a member that houses the electrode body and the electrolyte. Here, the main body 31 may be a rectangular parallelepiped shape with one side being an opening. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the main body 31 has a pair of opposing wide faces 30a, a pair of opposing narrow faces 30b, and a bottom face 30c. Here, the bottom face 30c and the opening face face each other. The sealing plate 32 is, for example, a member that closes the opening of the main body 31. The sealing plate has a shape corresponding to the opening of the main body 31, and here, is rectangular (including a substantially rectangular shape; the same applies below). Note that, as the electrode body and the electrolyte of the electricity storage device 12, the electrode body and the electrolyte of this type of electricity storage device may be used without any particular restrictions.

[0013] In this embodiment, the power storage device 12 is provided with a positive electrode terminal 40 and a negative electrode terminal 50 on the outer surface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the power storage device 12 is provided with a positive electrode terminal 40 and a negative electrode terminal 50 on the upper surface 32u of the sealing plate 32. The positive electrode terminal 40 is, for example, a member electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode body. The positive electrode terminal 40 has, for example, a portion disposed inside the case 30 and a portion disposed outside the case 30, and the portion disposed inside the case 30 is connected to the positive electrode of the electrode body. The portion disposed outside the case 30 is connected to the bus bar 14 described later. The positive electrode terminal 40 may be made of, for example, aluminum. The negative electrode terminal 50 may have the same structure as the positive electrode terminal 40. The negative electrode terminal 50 may be made of, for example, copper. Note that, as the positive electrode terminal 40 and the negative electrode terminal 50, electrode terminals conventionally used in this type of power storage device can be used without any particular limitation.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between the busbar 14 and an electrode terminal. FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cross-section of the joint between the busbar 14 and an electrode terminal along the first direction P. The busbar 14 is, for example, a member that electrically connects two adjacent power storage devices 12 in the first direction P (see FIGS. 1 and 2). As shown in FIG. 1, the busbar 14 is bridged across two adjacent power storage devices 12 in the first direction P. The busbar 14 is bridged across a positive terminal 40 of one of the two adjacent power storage devices 12 and a negative terminal 50 of the other of the two adjacent power storage devices 12. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the busbar 14 has a gripped portion 144.

[0015] The material of busbar 14 may be, for example, a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, copper or a copper alloy, nickel, or stainless steel. A busbar made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy is particularly preferably used as busbar 14. In this embodiment, busbar 14 is plate-shaped. In this embodiment, busbar 14 may be produced by pressing a single metal plate into a desired shape (here, a shape including gripped portion 144). Alternatively, gripped portion 144 may be separately provided on busbar 14 after pressing a single metal plate into a desired shape (here, a shape excluding gripped portion 144).

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the busbar 14 has a main body 14a and an extension 14b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the main body 14a has a first connection portion 141, a second connection portion 142, and a coupling portion 143. The first connection portion 141 is, for example, a portion connected to the positive terminal 40. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a first through hole 141h is provided in the first connection portion 141. A step 141s recessed from the surface of the first connection portion 141 is provided on the inner wall surface of the first through hole 141h. When connecting the first connection portion 141 and the positive terminal 40, for example, the first connection portion 141 and the positive terminal 40 may be overlapped, and the step 141s and the positive terminal 40 may be joined (for example, by ultrasonic joining, laser welding, or resistance welding). The second connection portion 142 is, for example, a portion connected to the negative terminal 50. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the second connection portion 142 is provided with a second through hole 142h. The inner wall surface of the second through hole 142h is provided with a step 142s recessed from the surface of the second connection portion 142. When connecting the second connection portion 142 and the negative electrode terminal 50, for example, the second connection portion 142 and the negative electrode terminal 50 may be overlapped and the step 142s and the negative electrode terminal 50 may be joined (for example, ultrasonic joining, laser welding, or resistance welding). Note that the first through hole 141h, the step 141s, the second through hole 142h, and the step 142s are not necessarily required. These parts may be omitted in other embodiments.

[0017] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 143 is a portion that connects the first connecting portion 141 and the second connecting portion 142. As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 143 is disposed between the first connecting portion 141 and the second connecting portion 142. Here, the connecting portion 143 has a pair of opposing erected portions 143a and a flat surface 143b. The pair of opposing erected portions 143a extend from the first connecting portion 141 and the second connecting portion 142 toward the opposite side to the power storage device 12. The flat surface 143b connects between the pair of opposing erected portions 143a. Providing the connecting portion 143 having such a configuration is preferable because, for example, when an external force is applied to the bus bar 14 due to vibration, impact, or the like, the external force can be buffered.

[0018] 2, the extension portion 14b is a portion extending from the main body 14a in a first direction P. In this embodiment, the extension portion 14b extends from the main body 14a on the positive terminal 40 side in the first direction P and protrudes to the outside of the positive terminal 40.

[0019] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the busbar 14 has a gripped portion 144 at the tip of the extension portion 14b. Here, the gripped portion 144 is a protrusion protruding from the surface of the busbar 14. In this embodiment, the gripped portion 144 protrudes from the upper surface 14u of the busbar 14 on the side opposite to the power storage device 12. The gripped portion 144 protrudes on the side opposite to the power storage device 12. The gripped portion 144 may be, for example, a wall portion along the second direction Q provided at the end of the first connection portion 141 in the first direction P. The "second direction Q" here is, as shown in FIG. 1, a direction perpendicular to the first direction P and along the broad surface 30a (the same applies to the second to fifth embodiments described later). In FIG. 1, the second direction Q is a direction from the left (L) side to the right (R) side.

[0020] As long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are realized, the dimensional relationship between the various parts of the busbar 14 is not particularly limited. As an example, for a busbar 14 having a length L1 of the main body 14a of 50 mm to 80 mm (for example, about 65 mm), the height H of the gripped portion 144 may be approximately 2 mm to 10 mm (for example, 3 mm to 5 mm). In this embodiment, the length L1 refers to the length of the busbar 14 in the first direction. The length L2 of the extension portion 14b may be approximately 2 mm to 5 mm. In this embodiment, the length L2 refers to the shortest distance between the end of the positive terminal 40 opposite to the center of the sealing plate 32 and the gripped portion 144. The thickness of the busbar 14 may be approximately 0.5 mm to 2 mm (for example, about 0.8 mm). The length L3 between the joint between the positive terminal 40 and the busbar 14 and the gripped portion 144 may be approximately 6 mm to 10 mm (for example, about 8 mm). In this embodiment, the length L3 refers to the shortest distance between the center of the first through-hole 141h and the gripped portion 144.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , in an energy storage module 100, a plurality of energy storage devices 12 are restrained in a first direction P. Here, the energy storage module 100 includes a spacer 11 and a pair of end plates 17. The spacer 11 is disposed between adjacent energy storage devices 12 in the first direction P. The end plates 17 are disposed on both ends of the plurality of energy storage devices 12 arranged in the first direction P, and restrain the plurality of energy storage devices 12. The end plates 17 are bridged by metal restraining bands 18. Ends of the restraining bands 18 are fixed by screws 19.

[0022] The power storage module 100 is used for various purposes, and is particularly preferably used as a power source (driving power source) for a motor mounted on a vehicle such as a passenger car, a truck, etc. The type of vehicle is not particularly limited, but suitable examples include a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

[0023] As described above, the energy storage module 100 includes a plurality of energy storage devices 12 and a bus bar 14. The plurality of energy storage devices 12 are arranged in a first direction P. The bus bar 14 is bridged between two adjacent energy storage devices 12 in the first direction P. The bus bar 14 has a gripped portion 144. The gripped portion 144 is a protrusion protruding from a surface of the bus bar 14 (top surface 14u in FIG. 2).

[0024] By having the gripped portion 144, the bus bar 14 can be gripped and pulled at the gripped portion 144, for example, when dismantling the power storage module 100. This makes it easier to separate the bus bar 14 from the power storage device 12. This can improve the recyclability of the power storage module 100, for example.

[0025] It is preferable that gripped portion 144 is provided at one end of bus bar 14 in first direction P. This makes it easier to grip gripped portion 144 when dismantling power storage module 100, for example, and therefore easier to separate bus bar 14 from power storage device 12.

[0026] The busbar 14 may have a main body 14a and an extension portion 14b extending from the main body 14a in the first direction P. The busbar 14 may have a gripped portion 144 at a tip of the extension portion 14b. By providing the gripped portion 144 at the tip of the extension portion 14b of the busbar 14, for example, it is possible to increase the distance between the gripped portion 144 and a joint portion between the busbar 14 and a terminal (for example, the positive electrode terminal 40). This makes it easier for the gripped portion 144 to be gripped when dismantling the power storage module 100, for example, and therefore easier for the busbar 14 to be separated from the power storage device 12.

[0027] Next, a method for processing the power storage module 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one step of the processing method. FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a process in which the gripped portion 144 of the bus bar 14 is gripped by a jig A and separated from the power storage device 12. The processing method for the power storage module 100 includes, for example, pulling the gripped portion 144 provided on the bus bar 14 to separate the bus bar 14 from the power storage device 12. By carrying out this processing method, the bus bar 14 can be easily separated from the power storage device 12, and thus the recyclability of the power storage module 100 can be improved. Note that the processing method disclosed herein may be carried out partially or entirely manually by an operator, or may be carried out partially or entirely automatically.

[0028] The processing method is, for example, a method for dismantling the power storage module 100. The processing method may be, for example, a method for dismantling the power storage module 100 for the purpose of disposal, or a method for dismantling the power storage module 100 for the purpose of recycling the power storage device 12. For this reason, the power storage module 100 that is the subject of the processing method may be, for example, a used power storage module. The used power storage module refers to, for example, a power storage module that is the subject of disposal, or a power storage module that is the subject of recycling.

[0029] When pulling the gripped portion 144, for example, it is advisable to pull the gripped portion 144 gripped by the jig A in a direction away from the electricity storage device 12 (see FIG. 1). This makes it easier to separate the bus bar 14 from the electricity storage device 12. The jig A is not particularly limited as long as it can continue to grip the gripped portion 144 for a predetermined period of time. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, pliers are used as the jig A. In this embodiment, the "direction away from the electricity storage device 12" refers to a direction upward from the upper surface 32u of the sealing plate 32 (see FIG. 1).

[0030] In separating the gripped portion 144, for example, it is preferable to first separate the bus bar 14 from the joint between the bus bar 14 and the electrode terminal that is closer to the gripped portion 144. In this embodiment, in separating the gripped portion 144, it is preferable to separate the bus bar 14 from the joint between the positive terminal 40 and the bus bar 14. As shown in FIG. 3 , the joint between the positive terminal 40 and the bus bar 14 is the joint between the bus bar 14 and the electrode terminal that is closer to the gripped portion 144. This makes it easier to separate the bus bar 14 from the electricity storage device 12.

[0031] Although not particularly limited, the processing method may include marking the portion of the bus bar 14 where the gripped portion 144 is provided prior to pulling the gripped portion 144. This makes it possible, for example, to make the gripped portion 144 easier to recognize, or to provide a non-slip function to the surface of the gripped portion 144 to achieve more stable gripping. As a result, the gripped portion 144 is gripped more efficiently, and the bus bar 14 is more easily separated from the power storage device 12. In this embodiment, the "portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided" refers to the gripped portion 144 itself, the periphery of the gripped portion 144, or the gripped portion 144 itself and the periphery of the gripped portion 144. "Marking the portion where gripped portion 144 is provided" means, for example, processing the portion where gripped portion 144 is provided to make the surface properties or material of the portion of busbar 14 where gripped portion 144 is provided different from the properties or material of the other portions excluding the portion where gripped portion 144 is provided.

[0032] The marking method is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a process (for example, knurling) for providing a recess and / or a protrusion on the surface of the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided. The marking may be performed, for example, by attaching tape to the surface of the portion where the gripped portion 144 is provided. The tape may be, for example, colored, or may be capable of imparting a non-slip function to the portion where it is attached.

[0033] The timing for marking the portion where gripped portion 144 is provided may be, for example, during the manufacturing process of power storage module 100. In this case, for example, a bus bar on which the portion where gripped portion 144 is provided is marked in advance may be used as bus bar 14. The portion where gripped portion 144 is provided may be marked after bus bar 14 is attached to power storage device 12. Alternatively, the portion where gripped portion 144 is provided may be marked when power storage module 100 is processed.

[0034] As described above, the first embodiment of the technology disclosed herein has been described. However, the technology disclosed herein may include modifications and changes to the embodiment exemplified above. The other embodiments exemplified below also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. In the following description, parts common to the first embodiment will not be described again.

[0035] <Second embodiment> For example, in the first embodiment, gripped portion 144 was a protrusion. However, the shape of the gripped portion is not limited to this. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between bus bar 214 and an electrode terminal. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, bus bar 214 has gripped portion 2144 which is a through hole. Bus bar 214 may be the same as bus bar 14 except that gripped portion 2144 is a through hole. Since gripped portion 2144 is a through hole, for example, a hook-shaped jig may be used as a jig in the processing method. Gripped portion 2144 can be gripped by hooking the hook of such a jig onto gripped portion 2144.

[0036] <Third embodiment> For example, in the first embodiment, the bus bar 14 has the main body 14a and the extension portion 14b, and has the gripped portion 144 at the tip of the extension portion 14b. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between the bus bar 314 and the electrode terminal. As shown in FIG. 5, the bus bar 314 has a first connection portion 3141, a second connection portion 3142, and a coupling portion 3143. In this embodiment, the bus bar 314 has the first connection portion 3141 at one end in the first direction P. The first connection portion 3141 is overlapped with the positive electrode terminal 40. The bus bar 314 has the second connection portion 3142 at the other end in the first direction P. The second connection portion 3142 is overlapped with the negative electrode terminal 50. In this embodiment, the bus bar 314 has the gripped portion 3144 at the first connection portion 3141. The gripped portion 3144 is provided at an end of the first connection portion 3141 in the first direction P. The end of the first connection portion 3141 in the first direction P here is the end opposite to the second connection portion 3142. The gripped portion 3144 is a protrusion protruding from the surface. However, the shape of the gripped portion 3144 is not limited thereto, and may be a through hole. Note that the bus bar 314 may be the same as the bus bar 14 except for the points described here. Reference numerals 3141s and 3142s in FIG. 5 indicate steps, reference numeral 3141h indicates a first through hole, and reference numeral 3142h indicates a second through hole.

[0037] <Fourth embodiment> In the above-described embodiment, a bus bar made of a single metal material is used. However, the bus bar used in the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between a bus bar 414 and an electrode terminal. As shown in FIG. 6, the bus bar 414 may have a first metal member 4141 and a second metal member 4142. The first metal member 4141 and the second metal member 4142 may be made of different metals and may be joined to each other. The bus bar 414 may be, for example, a so-called clad material. The first metal member 4141 may be joined to the positive electrode terminal 40. The second metal member may be joined to the negative electrode terminal 50.

[0038] The first metal member 4141 is preferably made of the same metal as the positive electrode terminal 40, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. As shown in FIG. 6, the first metal member 4141 has a first connection portion 4141a, a first standing portion 4141b, and a first coupling portion 4141c. The first connection portion 4141a is, for example, plate-shaped and is a portion connected to the positive electrode terminal 40. In this embodiment, the first connection portion 4141a is disposed along the upper surface of the positive electrode terminal 40 and joined to the positive electrode terminal 40. The first connection portion 4141a is joined to the positive electrode terminal 40, for example, at a step 4141s provided on the inner wall surface of the first through hole 4141h. The first standing portion 4141b is, for example, a portion standing from an end portion of the first connection portion 4141a on the second metal member 4142 side in the first direction P. Here, the first standing portion 4141b connects the first connecting portion 4141a and the first coupling portion 4141c. The first coupling portion 4141c is, for example, plate-shaped and is a portion that is coupled to the second metal member 4142. In this embodiment, the first coupling portion 4141c is coupled to the second metal member 4142 by being bonded (for example, by diffusion bonding, ultrasonic bonding, laser welding, or resistance welding) to the second coupling portion 4142c. Note that the bonding between the first connecting portion 4141a and the positive electrode terminal 40 can be achieved by, for example, ultrasonic bonding, laser welding, or resistance welding.

[0039] The second metal member 4142 is preferably the negative electrode terminal 50, and is made of, for example, copper or a copper alloy. As shown in FIG. 6, the second metal member 4142 has a second connection portion 4142a, a second standing portion 4142b, and a second coupling portion 4142c. The second connection portion 4142a is, for example, plate-shaped and is a portion connected to the negative electrode terminal 50. In this embodiment, the second connection portion 4142a is disposed along the upper surface of the negative electrode terminal 50 and is joined to the negative electrode terminal 50. The second connection portion 4142a is joined to the negative electrode terminal 50, for example, at a step 4142s provided on the inner wall surface of the second through hole 4142h. The joining of the second connection portion 4142a and the negative electrode terminal 50 can be realized by, for example, ultrasonic joining, laser welding, resistance welding, or the like. The second standing portion 4142b is, for example, a portion standing from an end portion of the second connecting portion 4142a on the first metal member 4141 side in the first direction P. Here, the second standing portion 4142b connects the second connecting portion 4142a and the second coupling portion 4142c. The second coupling portion 4142c is, for example, plate-shaped, and is a portion that is coupled to the first metal member 4141. In this embodiment, the second coupling portion 4142c is coupled to the first metal member 4141 by being joined to the first coupling portion 4141c.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, the bus bar 414 has a gripped portion 4144. In this embodiment, the joint strength between the bus bar 414 and the electrode terminal closer to the gripped portion 4144 is smaller than the joint strength between the bus bar and the electrode terminal farther from the gripped portion 4144. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the electrode terminal closer to the gripped portion 4144 is the positive electrode terminal 40. As described above, the positive electrode terminal 40 is joined to the first connection portion 4141a of the first metal member 4141. The joint between the positive electrode terminal 40 and the first connection portion 4141a is a joint between members made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The electrode terminal farther from the gripped portion 4144 is the negative electrode terminal 50. As described above, the negative electrode terminal 50 is joined to the second connection portion 4142a of the second metal member 4142. The joint between negative electrode terminal 50 and second connection portion 4142a here is a joint between copper or copper alloy members. The joint strength between aluminum or aluminum alloy members is smaller than the joint strength between copper or copper alloy members. By providing gripped portion 4144 close to the joint between the electrode terminal and bus bar 414, which has a relatively small joint strength, bus bar 414 can be more easily separated from electricity storage device 12.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the gripped portion 4144 may be provided on the first metal member 4141. In this embodiment, the gripped portion 4144 is provided on the end of the first connection portion 4141a opposite to the first standing portion 4141b in the first direction P. By providing the gripped portion 4144 at such a location, the bus bar 414 can be more easily separated from the positive electrode terminal 40, and in turn, the bus bar 414 can be more easily separated from the power storage device 12. Aluminum or an aluminum alloy is softer and easier to process than copper or a copper alloy. Therefore, providing the gripped portion 4144 on the first metal member 4141 makes it easier to manufacture the bus bar 414 than providing the gripped portion on the second connection portion 4142a.

[0042] <Fifth embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, the gripped portion 4144 is provided at one end of the bus bar 414 in the first direction P. However, the gripped portion does not necessarily have to be provided at such a location. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a joint between the bus bar 514 and the electrode terminal. As shown in FIG. 7, the bus bar 514 has a gripped portion 5144. In this embodiment, the gripped portion 5144 is provided at a joint between the first metal member 5141 and the second metal member 5142. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the joint between the first metal member 5141 and the second metal member 5142 is provided at a joint between the first connecting portion 5141c and the second connecting portion 5142c. Here, the gripped portion 5144 is provided at an end of the first connecting portion 5141c on the second connecting portion 5142a side in the first direction P, at the joint between the first connecting portion 5141c and the second connecting portion 5142c.

[0043] The first metal member 5141 and the second metal member 5142 are made of different metals, and the joint between them is a joint between dissimilar metals. The joint between the first metal member 5141 and the second metal member 5142 may have a smaller joint strength than both the joint between the first metal member 5141 and the positive electrode terminal 40 and the joint between the second metal member 5142 and the negative electrode terminal 50. In other words, the joint between the first metal member 5141 and the second metal member 5142 may have the lowest joint strength among the joints in the joint between the bus bar 514 and the electrode terminal. This makes it easier to separate the bus bar 514 from the electrode terminal.

[0044] In the processing method in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the energy storage module 100 including the busbar 414, 514 having the first metal member 4141, 5141 and the second metal member 4142, 5142 is processed as the energy storage device 12. The first metal member 4141, 5141 and the second metal member 4142, 5142 are made of different metals and are joined to each other. The energy storage module 100 in the fourth and fifth embodiments is suitable as a processing target of the processing method from the viewpoint of the ease of separation of the busbar 414, 514 described above. In addition, in FIG. 7, the reference numeral 5141a denotes a first connection portion, the reference numeral 5141b denotes a first standing portion, the reference numeral 5142b denotes a second standing portion, the reference numerals 5141s and 5142s denote steps, the reference numeral 5141h denotes a first through hole, and the reference numeral 5142h denotes a second through hole.

[0045] Sixth embodiment The "first direction P" in the technology disclosed herein does not necessarily have to be the direction defined in the above-mentioned embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a power storage module 600. FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the power storage module 600. As shown in FIG. 8, the power storage module 600 includes a plurality of power storage devices 12 and a bus bar 614. The power storage devices 12 are arranged in the first direction P. The bus bar 614 is bridged across two adjacent power storage devices 12 in the first direction P. Here, the power storage devices 12 are arranged such that the narrow surfaces 30b of the adjacent power storage devices 12 face each other. The "first direction P" in this embodiment is the direction from one narrow surface 30b of the power storage device 12 to the other narrow surface 30b, and in FIG. 8, is the direction from the left (L) side to the right (R) side (the same in the seventh embodiment described later). 8 shows four power storage devices 12, but this is merely an example and is not intended to limit the number of power storage devices 12 included in the power storage module 600. In Fig. 8, one broad surface 30a is arranged on the upper (U) side, the other broad surface 30a is arranged on the lower (D) side, one narrow surface 30b is arranged on the left (L) side, and the other narrow surface 30b is arranged on the right (R) side, but this is merely an example and is not intended to limit the installation form of the power storage module 600 (the same applies to a seventh embodiment described later).

[0046] 8, the bus bar 614 spans between the positive electrode terminal 40 of one of two power storage devices 12 adjacent to each other in the first direction P and the negative electrode terminal 50 of the other power storage device 12. As the bus bar 614, any of the bus bars 14, 214, 314, 414, and 514 of the first to fifth embodiments may be used.

[0047] Seventh embodiment FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the energy storage module 700. FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the energy storage module 700. As shown in FIG. 9, the energy storage module 700 includes a plurality of energy storage device groups 701. The energy storage device group 701 includes a plurality of energy storage devices 12 and a first bus bar 714a. The plurality of energy storage devices 12 are arranged in a first direction P. The first bus bar 714a is bridged across two adjacent energy storage devices 12 in the first direction P. Here, the energy storage devices 12 are arranged such that the narrow surfaces 30b of the adjacent energy storage devices 12 face each other. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the bus bar 714 is bridged across the positive terminal 40 of one energy storage device 12 and the negative terminal 50 of the other energy storage device 12 in the two adjacent energy storage devices 12 in the first direction P. As first bus bar 714a, any of bus bars 14, 214, 314, 414, and 514 in the first to fifth embodiments may be used.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of power storage device groups 701 are arranged (overlapped) in the second direction Q and electrically connected to each other. In this embodiment, the plurality of power storage device groups 701 are arranged (overlapped) so that the wide surfaces 30a of two adjacent power storage devices 12 overlap each other in the second direction Q. The "second direction Q" in this embodiment is a direction from one wide surface 30a of the power storage device 12 to the other wide surface 30a, and in FIG. 9, is a direction from the lower (D) side to the upper (U) side. In this embodiment, the plurality of power storage device groups 701 are electrically connected to each other by the second bus bar 714b. As shown in FIG. 9, the second bus bar 714b is bridged between the positive terminal 40 of one power storage device 12 adjacent to each other in the second direction Q and the negative terminal 50 of the other power storage device 12 at one or the other end in the first direction P. As the second bus bar 714b, a conventionally known bus bar used in this type of power storage module may be used, but it is preferable to use any of the bus bars 14, 214, 314, 414, and 514 of the first to fifth embodiments. Note that, although three power storage device groups 701 are shown in FIG. 9, this is merely an example and is not intended to limit the number of power storage device groups 701. Although four power storage devices 12 are included in the power storage device group 701 in FIG. 9, this is merely an example and is not intended to limit the number of power storage devices 12 included in the power storage device group 701.

[0049] As described above, specific aspects of the technology disclosed herein include those described in the following sections. Section 1: A plurality of power storage devices arranged in a first direction; a bus bar spanning two adjacent power storage devices in the first direction; A storage module comprising: The busbar has a gripping portion which is a protrusion protruding from a surface of the busbar or a through hole. Section 2: 2. The energy storage module according to item 1, wherein the gripped portion is provided at one end of the bus bar in the first direction. Section 3: The bus bar is The device has a main body and an extension portion extending from the main body in the first direction, Item 3. The energy storage module according to item 1 or 2, having the gripped portion at a tip of the extension portion. Section 4: The power storage device includes a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal on an outer surface of the power storage device, The bus bar is The positive electrode terminal of one of the two adjacent power storage devices is bridged to the negative electrode terminal of the other power storage device, The metal member includes a first metal member and a second metal member that are made of different metals and are joined to each other, 4. The power storage module according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first metal member is joined to the positive electrode terminal, and the second metal member is joined to the negative electrode terminal. Section 5: 5. The energy storage module according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein a bonding strength between the electrode terminal closer to the gripped portion and the bus bar is smaller than a bonding strength between the electrode terminal farther from the gripped portion and the bus bar. Item 6: 6. The power storage module according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the gripped portion is provided at a joint between the first metal member and the second metal member. Section 7: 7. The power storage module according to any one of items 4 to 6, wherein the gripped portion is provided on the first metal member. Section 8: A plurality of power storage devices each having an electrode terminal arranged in a first direction; a bus bar spanning two adjacent power storage devices in the first direction; A method for treating a power storage module comprising: The processing method includes separating the busbar from the power storage device by pulling a gripped portion, which is a projection or a hole provided on the busbar and protrudes from a surface of the busbar. Section 9: 9. The processing method according to item 8, wherein in the pulling, the gripped part gripped by a jig is pulled in a direction away from the electricity storage device. Section 10: 10. The processing method according to item 8 or 9, wherein in the separating, the bus bar is separated first from a joint between the electrode terminal and the bus bar that is closer to the gripped portion. Section 11: 11. The processing method according to any one of items 8 to 10, further comprising marking a portion of the bus bar where the gripped portion is provided, prior to pulling the gripped portion. Section 12: Item 12. The processing method according to any one of items 8 to 11, wherein the energy storage device is an energy storage module including a bus bar having a first metal member and a second metal member that are made of different metals and joined to each other.

[0050] Although the embodiment of the technology disclosed herein has been described above, it is not intended that the technology disclosed herein be limited to the above embodiment. The technology disclosed herein may be implemented in other embodiments. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the above-exemplified embodiments. For example, it is possible to replace a part of the above-described embodiment with another modified embodiment, and it is also possible to add another modified embodiment to the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential, it is also possible to delete it as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 12 Energy storage devices 14 Busbar 14a Main unit 14b Extension part 141 First connection part 142 Second connection part 143 Connecting part 144 Grasped part 30 cases 40 Positive terminal 50 Negative terminal 100,600,700 Energy Storage Module A Jig 214,314,414,514,614 Busbars 714a 1st busbar 714b 2nd bus bar 2144,3144,4144,5144 Grasped part

Claims

1. A plurality of power storage devices arranged in a first direction; a bus bar spanning two adjacent power storage devices in the first direction; A power storage module comprising: The busbar has a gripping portion which is a protrusion protruding from a surface of the busbar or a through hole.

2. The energy storage module according to claim 1 , wherein the gripped portion is provided at one end of the bus bar in the first direction.

3. The bus bar is The device has a main body and an extension portion extending in the first direction from the main body, The energy storage module according to claim 1 , wherein the extending portion has a tip end at which the gripped portion is provided.

4. The power storage device includes a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal on an outer surface of the power storage device, The bus bar is The positive electrode terminal of one of the two adjacent power storage devices is bridged to the negative electrode terminal of the other power storage device, The metal member includes a first metal member and a second metal member that are made of different metals and are joined to each other, The energy storage module according to claim 1 , wherein the first metal member is joined to the positive electrode terminal, and the second metal member is joined to the negative electrode terminal.

5. The energy storage module according to claim 4 , wherein a joint strength between the electrode terminal closer to the gripped portion and the bus bar is smaller than a joint strength between the electrode terminal farther from the gripped portion and the bus bar.

6. The energy storage module according to claim 4 , wherein the gripped portion is provided at a joint between the first metal member and the second metal member.

7. The energy storage module according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the gripped portion is provided on the first metal member.

8. A plurality of power storage devices each including an electrode terminal, the power storage devices being arranged in a first direction; a bus bar spanning two adjacent power storage devices in the first direction; A method for treating a power storage module comprising: The processing method includes separating the busbar from the power storage device by pulling a gripped portion, which is a projection or a hole provided on the busbar and protrudes from a surface of the busbar.

9. The processing method according to claim 8 , wherein the pulling comprises pulling the gripped portion gripped by a jig in a direction away from the power storage device.

10. The processing method according to claim 8 , wherein in the separating, the bus bar is separated first from a joint portion between the electrode terminal and the bus bar that is closer to the gripped portion.

11. The method according to claim 8 , further comprising marking a portion of the bus bar where the gripped portion is provided prior to pulling the gripped portion.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising treating, as the electricity storage device, an electricity storage module including a bus bar having a first metal member and a second metal member that are made of different metals and joined to each other.

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